Porsche Macan News

With so many new and updated premium medium-sized SUVs starting from under $130K in Australia nowadays, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer choice available.And that goes for the judges here at CarsGuide as well as potential buyers, because even though our shortlist included models as varied and intriguing as the all-electric Audi Q4 e-tron from Germany, South Korea’s Genesis GV70 in turbo and EV guises, and petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid Lexus NX from Japan, our shortlist proved to be a hotly-contested and surprisingly-emotional process. There is so much that’s great in this category!Here, then, are the finalists in alphabetical order, followed by our number one, because there can be only one winner.The latest, and highly impressive, BMW X3 has ended up as a runner up for CarsGuide’s best premium medium SUV under $130K.Four generations in, the X3 has shaped up as a winner, both in the eyes of the judges as well as on the sales charts.It’s easy to see why, with surprisingly sharp pricing – particularly at the lower end of the range – reflecting the edgy yet attractive styling inside and out.Of course, the panel also responded to the X3’s interesting array of hybridised petrol and diesel options, along with the very in-vogue plug-in hybrid (PHEV) choice. Whichever you choose, the driving experience is equally on-point.As one of its core sellers, BMW has given its mid-sized SUV the best-possible chance of success on our market. As Jack Quick put it: “Number one for me by far is the X3. I friggin’ love it… it stands out as a winner.”The latest Macan looks like its super-successful predecessor, is electric only and costs more than most people can afford, but the Porsche’s sheer excellence cannot be ignored.“Genuinely rewrites the formula for Porsche SUVs… it’s a really big swing for the fences.”In a nutshell, this comment from CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton neatly sums up what may well be the greatest luxury-branded SUV on the planet right now.Even putting aside the Macan’s obvious controversial aspects, there is so much that will resonate with luxury car buyers, meaning that Porsche has exceeded the brief in most areas.Bold, sculptured design, bank-vault build quality, a deeply sensory-enhancing cabin environment and, not least of all, tremendous dynamic capabilities that simultaneously calm and excite are all part of the latest version’s electrifying experience.Boasting cutting-edge technologies, underpinned by a super-advanced, 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging, no other electric SUV feels quite like the latest Macan.The judges certainly see it. But, can enough buyers look past the lack of internal combustion engine choice (for now) and substantially higher pricing compared to before? The jury’s still out on those ones.“From top to bottom it’s an excellent range. I’ve had every car in that line-up. The thing that makes it special is the N. When you've got Porsche chasing you down trying to replicate you, that means a lot.”CarsGuide's News Editor Dom Tripolone sure knows a great headline as well as a great car when he sees one, providing the fitting words for what remains one of the defining models of the 2020s, the Ioniq 5.Recent price hikes that have accompanied technological boosts only serve to highlight the outstanding engineering quality emanating from the Hyundai, particularly when it has already spent half a decade setting class standards. This is a rare example of something that was priced too cheaply for what it can deliver.Timelessly chic, the retro-inspired styling seems to live in a bubble of its own, underplaying a shockingly accommodating interior that has inspired scores of imitators over the intervening years.Yet it is the way the Ioniq 5 drives and feels that truly keeps it fresh. Benign when required, the chassis steps up with impressive agility and control, while retaining the sort of calm and composure expected but often lacking in luxury SUVs costing thrice the price.And, in keeping with its flagship status, the high-performance Ioniq 5 N adds a sizzling new chapter in the book of scorching-hot hatches. As our News Editor so adroitly observed. A worthy winner in the sub-$130K medium SUV segment.

Premium medium-sized SUVs are a small but consistently popular segment of the new-car market, and it’s easy to understand why.While providing an aspirational mix of luxury, performance and technology, they’re still spacious, practical, versatile and – perhaps most importantly – relatively accessible SUVs.Basically, they’re the sporty family friendly reward purchase for people who’ve earned it –which means they have a lot to live up to.As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 mid-size SUV model ranges from the sub-$130K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Nearly four years late to Australia, the Q4 e-tron is available in elegant SUV wagon and racier SUV coupe body-styles that are both pleasingly spacious and practical.And despite leveraging a shared dedicated-EV architecture with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, the interior quality, layout and presentation are on-brand, matching the slick and easy driving experience, with a lovely balance of speed, agility, control and comfort.But the lack of full single-pedal braking and spare wheel are disappointing, while the 55 twin-motor/AWD’s prices are too high.Still, the Q4 e-tron is smart, stylish and sophisticated. And the 45 is all the Audi SUV EV you need.The third generation of Audi’s popular Q5 steps up in several ways, including in price, size and tech, adopting new mild-hybrid assistance for the petrol and diesel choices as well as a PHEV option.Chunkier than before, the Mexican-made medium-sized SUV sits on an evolved architecture. With the same wheelbase as before, it isn’t as roomy as its increased length suggests, whilst the screen-heavy dash looks modern but lacks physical buttons for too many vehicle functions.On the other hand, the boot is big, all powertrains deliver on performance, refinement and efficiency, whilst the handling and ride qualities have improved noticeable from before.Not class-leading, then, but certainly now highly competitive.BMW’s renaissance continues, following on after the excellent X5 and X1, with the fourth-gen X3, sharpening its reputation as the driver’s choice among mid-sized SUVs.Larger yet lower than ever, with ample space, the futuristic, tech-heavy interior is artfully executed, while there’s more equipment as standard nowadays.It’s mild-hybrid xDrive AWD all-round for the punchy inline petrol and diesel engines, along with a PHEV AWD providing ample muscle as well as impressive economy.As you’d hope, the chassis dynamics are first class, with an immersive and flowing driving experience that’s second to none.Expensive options, divisive styling, a fiddly transmission selector and no spare don’t overshadow a brilliantly executed luxury/performance SUV.Another VW Group EV, Spanish brand Cupra’s take on the Audi Q4 e-tron effortlessly melds style and attitude, elevating the genre in the process.With point-and-squirt acceleration, sharp steering and immersive handling – and all without ruining ride comfort – Tavascan is the keen driver’s delight. You can thank the sober German engineering underneath.The interior is spacious for its compact proportions, the ergonomics are fine and the front seats are brilliant, but the scaly-looking dash texture seems cheap, the lack of a spare wheel jars and, being sourced from China, we expect more standard equipment in the base Endurance.Still, there’s personality aplenty in this unique EV SUV and we’re here for it.Challenger brand Genesis’ take on the BMW X3, the GV70’s styling has the visual swagger of a Bentley, while providing a comfortable and functional cabin experience.The Series II facelift brings sweeping improvements, especially to refinement and tech updates, with lots more equipment, upping the lush Korean luxury SUV’s value quotient.Neither petrol engine is a slouch, but the V6’s considerable performance better suits the commanding roadholding and aggressive aesthetics more, while the GV70 Electrified EV’s effortless, isolated pace make it a peaceful retreat. Too bad the former is thirsty and the latter lacks a spare.Whichever you choose, Genesis’ mid-sized SUV is highly enjoyable – and better than you might think.One of this decade’s greats, the Ioniq 5 has been a breathtaking symbol of Hyundai’s tremendous engineering ambition, creating an EV benchmark that’s still yet to be equalled for the money.Yes, prices are creeping up, but the 5’s ability to deliver elevated performance, efficiency, driving athleticism, refinement and pleasure shade rival efforts.And that’s not even taking in the timeless design, vast cabin, thoughtfully presented ergonomics and exceptional practicality.We wish it included a spare wheel and some of the interior plastics look more Aldi than Audi, but otherwise there’s so much that’s radiant about the Ioniq 5. It remains a modern motoring masterpiece. And that’s before even considering the supersonic 5 N that out-Porsches any Macan.The second-gen NX cracks the German mid-sized luxury SUV code that its underwhelming predecessor could not, without abandoning hard-won advantages like exquisite quality and reliability.Basing it on the enduring fifth-gen RAV4 ensures a robust and refined platform, along with affordable hybrid tech access.Yet the NX transcends those with its unique design, sumptuous interior, great seats and ample practicality. The base turbo is rapid, the hybrids are efficient and the PHEV flagship powerful, while the steering, handling and ride qualities are also up to brand expectations.Inevitably, a spare wheel isn’t offered and the PHEV’s electric-only range pales against Chinese alternatives, but the NX provides luxury without the risk.A step forward in quality, ride comfort and refinement over the patchy previous model, the second-gen GLC from 2022 has remained Mercedes-Benz’s best-seller for sound reasons.Along with advanced technologies, a sturdy cabin, top-shelf safety and family-orientated practicality, the GLC provides the luxury of choice – from an attainable 200, through to indecently-quick AMG versions. The newly released PHEV is on the money for buyers seeking efficiency. And the GLC Coupe boasts a sleeker silhouette.The model’s sheer ubiquity may put some people off, options can be very expensive, servicing isn’t cheap, the stop/start tech can be annoying and most models are not exciting to drive, but there’s solid engineering behind the GLC.Devised before the global EV sales slowdown, the second-gen Macan was meant to be a bold, electric-only statement of intent, with Porsche’s formidable engineering expertise delivering a breakthrough experience.Though almost identical at first glance, everything changes, including the body structure and alluring double-screen interior presentation.But it is the 800-volt architecture (shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron) that moves the game on, providing tremendous steering, handling and ride-comfort attributes, along with a powertrain ranging from a brisk (and very on-brand) rear-mounted electric motor opener to the twin-motor AWD missiles.The Macan II’s driver-focused tactility, alacrity and control rewrite the rulebooks. Mission accomplished, then, but we wish it wasn’t so expensive.Launched in 2017, the second-gen XC60 proved to be a compelling premium contender, with lovely proportions, a gorgeous interior, stellar seats and state-of-the-art Volvo safety.An advanced platform provided a sophisticated base, adding to the luxury aspirations of the Swedish family SUV, and enhanced by progressive powertrains, including a rorty PHEV. The XC60 II was ahead of its time.Which explains why the 2025 facelift is so minor – a more-contemporary nose, updated multimedia and fresh trim are the main changes.But the driving experience feels as dated compared to the leading BMW X3 as the styling. Which is classic Volvo: evolve over time. The beloved 240 of the ‘70s lived nearly 20 years and XC60 II could be next!

Sales of some electric cars (EVs) in Australia have hit a roadblock.

A new all-electric luxury SUV has been announced. 

It might still be two years away from a scheduled appearance in Porsche showrooms but the German maker’s upcoming ‘K1’ upper large SUV has taken a late turn away from pure-electric propulsion to include internal-combustion (ICE) in its powertrain portfolio.

Petrol power is returning to the Porsche Macan

Electric cars aren’t built for Australia and a country of its size. It is too big and electric vehicles (EVs) simply don’t have enough range to get you across this wide, brown land.Or, at least that’s what we’ve been told by the naysayers for the past decade or so. They decry the limited capacity of batteries and the lack of infrastructure as reasons why EVs will never be successful in Australia.But is that actually true? To put those criticisms to the test I decided to do the only logical thing: drive one of Australia’s most popular long-distance journeys in an EV to see if I could make it. So I drove the new Porsche Macan RWD from Melbourne to Sydney in a single day to test the reality of long-range EV driving. And these are the lessons I learnt.It’s perhaps the most common phrase associated with EVs and their detractors, range anxiety - the idea that you’ll run out of charge and be stranded. The truth is modern EV batteries have reached a state where they can offer enough range to make the drive between Melbourne and Sydney on surprisingly few stops.The official claimed range of the Macan RWD is 653km, but that’s a lab test so not representative of what you’ll get in the real world. Instead, on our drive the Macan was capable of hitting approximately 500km on a single charge.Now the haters will say that’s 153km less than claimed, but that overlooks the fact that very few internal combustion engine vehicles hit their official claimed fuel consumption figures either.It also overlooks the fact that 500km is a significant range, with the distance between Melbourne and Sydney less than 900km via the most direct route. And on the route there is a steady string of EV chargers up and down the highway. The notion that EV charging infrastructure is lacking was one of the biggest misconceptions my trip cleared up. There are chargers in freeway-side service centres and in small towns (more on that later) so you’re never really more than 200km from any charger. Sure, there’s more fuel pumps, but given the percentage of EVs making such large trips the current infrastructure seems more-than-adequate.While we’re on the top of EV range, for my particular drive between our two biggest cities I drove a Macan with a factory-developed roof box, while the camera car that joined me was stock (no roof box). There was an expectation that the roof box would impact the driving range, but it was surprising just how much impact it had.If you’ve wondered why car makers are trying to make pop-out door handles and digital side mirrors common on EVs it’s because it all makes a difference. Despite the factory-designed aerodynamic shape of the roof box it still knocked off around 20-25% driving range compared to the camera car. Obviously that’s a significant drop, but as long as you are aware of what impact adding extras to your EV is you can compensate accordingly.When I say you can ‘compensate accordingly’ I mean that, as mentioned earlier, there’s no shortage of chargers and many of them are located in some of Australia’s most beautiful, but largely forgotten, small towns.For example, we took a detour off the freeway into Beechworth, the small Victorian hamlet that’s home to famous honey and one of Australia’s most renowned bakeries. It’s the perfect place to stop and recharge the car - as well as recharge the driver and passengers.While there are plenty of service centre chargers, I was surprised by the amount of small towns, long since bypassed by the freeway, that have installed chargers. Holbrook and its submarine, the geographical halfway point in Tarcutta and even the Dog on the Tuckerbox at Gundagai all have places to stop and charge.Another regular criticism of electric cars is the time it takes to recharge the batteries. Obviously it takes longer than refuelling a petrol or diesel tank, which is a major turn-off for many. But unless you’re in a really big hurry to get to your destination, it shouldn’t be.Obviously it’s a good idea to ‘stop, revive, survive’ on any long trip and modern EVs are capable of reaching 80 per cent battery capacity in a relatively short period of time. The final 20 per cent takes longer, but even then it’s not exactly a drag.On my road trip the longest stop, which was to get as close to 100 per cent as possible, lasted about 30 minutes. Generally the 80 per cent top-ups took around 20 minutes, which turned out to be a handy amount of time to stretch the legs, use a bathroom and grab something to eat.If you are like me and prefer to enjoy a relaxed road trip, charging actually fits in rather nicely and makes the experience of long-distance EV driving surprisingly easy.Was driving an electric car between Melbourne and Sydney easy? In a word, yes. So much so that I’d have no worries doing such a trip again, the idea of range anxiety and sub-par infrastructure are no longer a concern based on my real-world experience.I still understand that for some, those in a hurry or just aggressively anti-EV, it will still sound unappealing and stressful, but I would encourage any EV owner who has avoided long journeys to take the leap and head out of town for an electric road trip.

You may have missed the news, but the Porsche Macan is now only available as an electric car.Porsche may be about to do a monstrous backflip and build petrol Macans after a drop in sales for the new all-electric version.That would be a mistake, as this is the perfect Porsche to ditch petrol power.Porsche lives in the real world and reducing emissions is a part of life for carmakers now and that won’t change.So switching its smallest, least powerful and everyday-driver-focused SUV to all electric power is the smart choice and will help prolong the life of its flagship 911.The majority of Macan buyers appear to be from well-heeled suburbs in our capital cities, with the vehicle used as an everyday conveyance.This is where electric cars excel. If you drive about 100km a day or so (the average Aussie drives 38km a day), then you’ll realistically only need to charge the Macan Electric only once or twice a week. Preferably you just top up every day or two. All you’d need is a 7kW charger at home with some solar panels and it’d be free to run.Its circa-95kWh battery delivers a driving range of between 654km and 616km depending on the variant you choose. Throw in ultra-fast charging capabilities and it makes the occasional long road trip a cinch.I spent a week in the Macan 4, which is the second model on the four-rung totem pole.It blends solid performance with a long range. It effectively takes the palace of the popular Macan S that again was the best of both worlds.It has some impressive stats: it makes 300kW and 650Nm and can sprint from 0-100km/h in a respectable 5.2 seconds. The top-shelf Turbo version makes a whopping 470kW and 1130Nm, and it can complete the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.3 seconds.The Macan Electric is refined on the road and whisper quiet, with the adaptable suspension of my test car meaning it could smooth and composed over pockmarked city streets or taught and engaging on a tight and twisting road.The steering is typical Porsche quality; it has a good weight to it and is direct with plenty of feedback, which all combine for a predictable and confident drive experience.And because it is an SUV, not a sports car, it can handle having the extra weight of the batteries as it was never meant to be as dynamically sharp as a 911 or Cayman. The weight of the batteries actually work in its favour as it lowers the centre of gravity, which helps reduce the trade-offs associated with high-riding SUVs.The cabin feels just like any other Porsche, so there is no need to skimp on quality. In fact, being electric tends to liberate more room inside as there are less mechanical parts and no direct link between the front and rear wheels. The Macan back seat isn’t the roomiest, but its boot is sizeable, again a great feature for everyday living.The only issue is the price. It is a massive jump up compared to the petrol version.The range kicks off at $128,400 before on-road costs, which is a jump of more than $30,000 compared to the most affordable version of the outgoing petrol model.Our Macan 4 starts at $134,400 then it jumps up to $149,300 for the 4S before topping out at $184,400 for the Turbo.

Porsche appears to be reconsidering axing combustion engines from its Macan mid-sized SUV line-up, amid a slump in demand for electric vehicles and falling global sales.

The car industry is based on constant model renewal. Cycles have been getting shorter and shorter, with the main industry settling on between six and eight years as the norm.